by Philip |
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Because I am on the computer all day, I get aches and pains in two main areas: my neck and my calves. I got the Naipo kneading massager to deal with the former. Here’s what I think about it.
Written by Philip
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Naipo Massager Review
First Impressions
The mailman delivered the box, and I set it down in the kitchen for a minute while I finished proofreading an article. In the 40 seconds I was gone, Jane had already unpacked the Naipo and it was draped over her shoulders like a 1920s mink.
She was at the stove preparing lunch, with her hands tucked inside the curious sleeves, turning it left and right like a paraglider. She was moving the kneaders into JUST the right spot, and was making lots of contented noises.
Checking out the box I was surprised to see a car adapter. I really don’t think a driver should be using this while on the road – you still have freedom to move your arms around but you’re slightly restricted and that might make all the difference in an emergency situation.
And if you’re wriggling around trying to get the motors hitting just the right spot, again, not ideal if you’re thundering down a highway at 100 miles an hour.
It would be a different story if you’re a passenger though. I can imagine how blissful it would be to get a quick massage right before you get to the office. A post-work massage in the car sounds even better, especially if you’ve had a stressful and tiring day at work.
There was a brief manual, too, but Jane had already worked out how to use it.
Not hard: There are 4 buttons – on/off, heat, change rotation, speed. With your hands tucked into the sleeve things, you can pull the massager so that the massage balls hit the spots you want. Much better than a massage cushion that sits static on a chair and makes YOU wriggle around.
She was moving her hands around saying things like
‘Oh yeah, that’s the spot’.
Clearly I wasn’t going to get a go any time soon.
My Turn, Finally
When I was finally allowed to use it, I was quite impressed. First with the overall ‘feel’ of the product. It feels much more premium than the price would suggest.
Second, with the performance. I don’t have chronic pain or anything, so I judge these massagers on how relaxed they make me feel. Massage cushions are good but it’s very hard to get that Goldilocks feeling where it’s all just right.
The Naipo lets you control the location of the massage so it’s easy to get the attention your sore muscles need, exactly where you need it.
The heat is nice, and changing the rotation is good. Which brings us to the crux of the matter.
The main selling point of the Naipo is this control that you get. But it’s also a downside. To hit the right spots you need to actively do something. When I’m constantly adjusting its position I’m taken out of the blissful relaxation state. With a massage cushion you get less control but you are passive (you just sit there). So you can actually relax more.
But get this: Jane 100% disagrees. She CAN’T relax with the massage cushion but loves the Naipo.
She says I shouldn’t think of it as a relaxation device:
“It’s less of a relaxy massage and more of a therapeutic massage. You hit the spots where you need a bit of a treatment. You really get onto those trigger points.”
Talking about it reminded her that she’d tweaked a muscle in her side so she picked up the Naipo and now she’s controlling it with her left hand while she scours the Internet for baby elephant gifs with her right. She looks pretty content.
Thanks, Naipo!
Watch This Video
See the Naipo in action. You’ll also get tips on how to use it properly.
A Small Word of Caution
Jane, who has some training in physiotherapy and anatomy told me to add a ‘warning’ to this article. Long story short, if you’ve got a lot of tension in your neck or shoulders, the Naipo WILL release it. That’s obviously GREAT and is why we are happy to recommend the product.
But when you release those trigger points your body is going to react. With all that tension gone, you might get a headache the next day, or feel a bit dizzy. Don’t use the massager again until you feel recovered.
In Conclusion
Summing up, the Naipo Neck and Shoulder Massager is a great buy. It’s something I wouldn’t feel guilty about recommending to friends who have neck or shoulder pain, or people who just want a relaxing massage at the end of the day.
This is one of those purchases where you get a bit more than what you pay for and that’s always good news. I always say, if it makes you feel better and it contributes to your overall health, then make that purchase. (Otherwise, you’ll just spend your money on coffees and bagels. Hello, me.)
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One Year Later
Our massage cushion is in a box somewhere, our handheld massager gets some use, but this neck massager from Naipo is used 3 times a week. It’s a good investment!
Author: Philip Andrew
A writer and teacher who enjoys lazing around and building winter nests out of duvets. “Most are too itchy. You’ve got to be picky.” His goal is to create a complete home spa for 24/7 access to rest and relaxation. Next on the agenda: a barrel sauna for the garden. Connect with Philip on Twitter @completehomespa.